Richard Okamoto Obituary

RICHARD KUNIO OKAMOTO Richard Kunio Okamoto, 105, passed away peacefully at home in Kuli'ou'ou on April 19, 2024. He led a long life focused on family, diving, service, and golf. He was born on December 1, 1918 in Waimea, Kaua'i to his parents Sozaburo and Taka (Miyamoto) Okamoto. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Florence Takako (Iwashita) Okamoto; his brothers David Shinichi (Matsuko) Taguma, Masao (Grace) and Yoshio (Ann); sisters Kimiyo (Allen) Kondo, Chiyo (William) Meyers, and Hanayo (David) Hashimoto; and ten nieces and nephews. He is survived by his two daughters, Barbara (Jim Dannemiller) and Frances Okamoto; his grandson Michael (Patricia); his two great-grandchildren, Sophia and William Dannemiller; and step-granddaughter, Margaret Dannemiller. He also leaves beloved nieces and nephews and scores of grand nieces and nephews. Richard attended public schools on Kaua'i and received a scholarship to attend and graduate from Mid-Pacific Institute on O'ahu. He attended the University of Hawai'i Manoa where he earned a baccalaureate degree in education and a teaching certificate. His progress toward a career in education was interrupted one Sunday morning in 1941 as he looked out across Honolulu from his sister's St. Louis Heights home to see puffs of black smoke in the sky above Pearl Harbor. He served in the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion during the war, and subsequently served in the U.S. Army Reserve, earning the rank of Major before his retirement in 1978. Concurrently, Richard was employed with the Veterans Administration from 1946 until his retirement in 1976. In 1973, looking for a way to give back to his local community, Richard and a few friends became charter members of the newly created Hawai'i Kai Lion's Club. He took his public service seriously and was very active in the club. He did his share of beautification and school projects and was front and center at every Father's Day Pancake Breakfast. After retiring, Richard took up golf which became his passion. Through his 100th year, he golfed 18 holes weekly with his Lions buddies and another 18 holes with his Ele Makule gang. A joyous private celebration of life was held July 10, and Richard's ashes were inurned at Punchbowl National Cemetery with full military honors. He shares a niche with Florence, who died in 2013. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary